Sleeping Lions

Crewe failed to trouble the scorers for the 2nd consecutive week as the game predictably ended 0-0. Both teams have struggling to create chances recently and yesterday`s results clearly showed where both teams have been struggling of late.

No dramatic changes following last Sunday`s woeful effort at Doncaster, George Abbey slotted in at centre half and Ben Rix was handed a start instead of Neil Cox in the middle whilst Byron Moore celebrated the signing of an extended contract with a starting place on the left hand side of midfield.

It was a game where defences were on top, Abbey slotted in nicely at the back and was arguably the pick of the players on show. Chances were in short supply as neither side could carve out any chances of note.

The only entertaining part of the first half was that the referee Mr Joslin was hit in the face by the ball to the delight of the disappointing crowd of just over 4,000. Many left their seats early as a drab first half came to a conclusion.

I thought that the 2nd half would be better, as it couldn`t get much worse than the drab first half that we had watched. As the home side I was hoping we come out and take the game to Millwall but the game just meandered to its conclusion, neither side looked like scoring.

In fact if we were still there now, I doubt neither side would have scored. So the home faithful went home frustrated. We now travel to Oldham next Saturday and hopefully we can break the goal drought.

George Abbey

Came in and looked assured at the back, Proved a more than adequate replacement for Baudet and O'Donnell. Fantastic debut for the former Port Vale man, looks to be a decent acquisition.
Good when called upon, didn't have a lot to deal with Did ok defensively, need him to provide more going forward and get more involved in the game. Decent, dealt with the defensive side okay, He got fowards at time but not as much as we would of liked. Solid and reliable, everything you expect of him. Captain for the day didn't disappoint. Came in and did very well, calm and collected. Had reservations about him at centre half but he filled in well at the back. Flattered to deceive, decent pace but showed infrequentley. Needs to produce on a more regular basis and get nearer to the opponents goal. Will improve with games. Solid, but no driving force from midfield. Sat in the middle protecting back four. Solid, but no driving force from midfield. Sat in the middle protecting back four. Again Solid but not influencing games like we know he can. Need more from him and we know he is capable. Little service, fed scraps and got more and more frustrated as the game wore on. Largely ineffective, didn't create anything of note. His place in the team maybe under threat for visit to Oldham on Saturday. Replaced Ryan Lowe in the 2nd half. Didnt perform any better than Lowe did. 5/10

Must do a lot better, In defence we looked ok but we need to find a cutting edge. Far too many just sat back in midfield protecting the defence and hence we created very few chances.

We don't need two holding midfielders in the centre, and we need pace and goals from the wings. Up front Barnard needs a target man to play alongside him.

Plenty to work on, much more like this and plenty more will vote with their feets and not go the game. 6/10

Would be happy with a point from a difficult away fixture. With a bit more attacking license they probably could of had all three points.

Decent side who like us, when they sort out their attacking issues out will be a good side at this level.

Seconds Out! Vital Boxing is here!

Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for Monaco